The guys came to race this event as it is really the kick off of the masters season for all teams. We had a strong group of 7 riders to match up with a big group from Boulder Orthopedics and much improved teams from Rally Sport, and Grove Subaru. The race has been won in a break the last few years, so the guys knew what needed to get done. The race went off the line single file for a while, with heavy pressure being applied by Boulder Orthopedics. Jim, Tory and CJ clipped in at the front and covered things. The guys took turns covering the early moves, Matt S. covered a good looking break with local strongman Michael Gibson from BO. When that came back Brad from Rally Sport attacked solo, got a gap and he rolled it. CJ covered the move for our team, along with Byron from Grove and Grant from BO. As is often the case the breaks that go are not the strongest, but the right combination, and this break had one rider from each of the 4 main teams.
The break took about 10 minutes and established it's lead, with all 4 teams back in the field controlling things and hoping their man could win. The break had total cooperation, with even pulls and no attacks, with also helps lead to success. CJ knew he was out gunned in the break, but rode smart and did just enough to not make anyone mad, while he waited for the Calvary to arrive.
Sure enough there was a slowing in the field and Matt Gates sensed it, attacked solo, got a clean gap, and rode solo across to the break over 30 laps, a 25 second gap. CJ was sure happy to see Matt as RMCC was not the only team with 2 guys in the break. It also put much more pressure now on the other 3 teams back in the field as they were at a disadvantage. The group all kept working until the end and everyone was happy to sprint it out. With one to go CJ put in a last attack, then when caught he pulled the entire last lap to the bottom of the hill, then pulled over and let Matt Gates take it from there. Matt rode a smart sprint up the hill, as it is a very long developing sprint, where he rode Grant's wheel for a long time, and then easily came by him for the win. It was a great team effort with Matt taking the win, CJ in 5th, and Josh in 7th. 2013 should be a fun year in the 35 plus field with more balanced teams and great racing.
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